It appears that India would like to do its own thing during October 2007/8. I'm not sure what Mr. Modi means by the statement: If others want to play they can. Why should we play in October,". If everyone else is busy playing the Champions Trophy in October'07 or '08, who's India planning to invite to play against them during that same time ? Nepal, Bhutan, Scotland, Namibia ? Oh yeah, I'm sure the Indian TV market would look forward to that !!
Unless, the BCCI has got some sort of commitment from atleast one of the other full-ICC-member countries, this act of defiance by the BCCI seems like a whole lot of barking without any threat of a bite.
India is cricket's cash cow and every one is reaching out to grab the moolah! ICC is worried about its main source of revenue! It is high time India demanded and got its due recognition like the Aussies & the Poms,whose schedules are planned to suit them.It is India who is expected to compromise everytime, however unfair the situation maybe! It is time for BBCI to be firm and fix schedules suiting India for a change.BCCI should fix at least 15 Tests every year like the others and less of ODIs. Look at Ponting.His first Test was in 1996 he has played 100 Tests already. Look at Sachin.He played his 1st Test in 1989 and has reached only the 125 mark! At this rate Ponting will overtake all of Sachin's Test records thanks to ICC and foolish BCCI which was only interested in the cash generating ODIs earlier!Time for BCCI to put down its foot and dictate terms for once!
BCCI refusal to play Champions Trophy during October to March season as a result of it interfering with its busy season and good profits, is not something that looks easy to hold on to.
If all other test playing countries are going to be playing champions trophy, with whom will India play in its supposedly busy season. So instead of earning itself some money, BCCI will on the other hand, will be seen as letting go a window of opportunity.
Otherwise BCCI should have the guts to stage an Asian Cricket Championship under the agaeis of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and hold a championship trophy for the Subcontinent during that time. Can BCCI pull off that coup. Then the ICC will sit up and take notice of Asian muscle power.
It's high time that India (BCCI) reminds the ICC where the money is coming from. We bring in the money and we get to decide when to play and when not. If the ICC has such a big problem with that, it can go ahead and ban India. Let's see how far they go. ICC should remember that it never pays to bite the hand that feeds you. Malcolm Speed and his ilk should remember that the days of the Raj are over and India is now the dominant force. And the man with the money has the final say. So, ICC play along or go your own way. I dare ICC to ban India. If it does that, beleive me in 12 months it will have to come back to us with a begging bowl and Speed will be even ready to polish Pawar's shoe.
